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There is evidence that pet owners experienced benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic and also struggled with pet-related stressors. Notably, almost all of these studies were conducted with predominantly cisgender and heterosexual samples. This is problematic, as evidence suggests that individuals who belong to marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ emerging adults, have been disproportionately affected by stressors associated with the pandemic. This qualitative study explores the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults who lived with a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we sought to identify resources needed to assist LGBTQ+ emerging adult pet owners during the pandemic. The sample included 65 participants aged 18–21 years who had lived with one or more pets within the past year (Mean age = 19.5 years; 36.9% transgender/gender diverse; 40% minoritized racial/ethnic identity). We conducted semi-structured interviews consisting of 18 questions (including five COVID-specific questions). Two authors coded and analyzed the interviews using template analysis. Then, the authors used a thematic analysis approach to organize codes into themes, identify patterns of meaning, and examine relations between themes. Four themes emerged related to the experience of living with a pet during the pandemic. Almost all participants said that their pets provided various types of support to them. Many participants stated that their pets also added stress to their lives during the pandemic. Some participants attributed the changes in their pet’s behavior and/or attitude to pandemic-related quarantines. More than half of the participants discussed changes in their relationship with their pet, with the majority claiming their relationship became stronger. Two themes emerged that related to necessary resources: greater community-based resources (e.g., low-cost veterinary care, pet-friendly outdoor spaces) and more government resources (e.g., better access to information, more material and financial support). Participants offered suggestions for ways to alleviate pet-related stressors, such as developing community-based programs (e.g., pet food pantries, mutual aid programs). There is the opportunity for collaboration between researchers and practitioners in piloting these community programs, as well as implications for policy makers to advocate for policies supportive of LGBTQ+ emerging adult pet owners (e.g., university pet policies, housing policies).

Abstract The prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections continues to rise as the development of antibiotics needed to combat these infections remains stagnant. MDR enterococci are a major contributor to this crisis. A potential therapeutic approach for combating MDR enterococci is bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which uses lytic viruses to infect and kill pathogenic bacteria. While phages that lyse some strains of MDR enterococci have been identified, other strains display high levels of resistance and the mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly defined. Here, we use a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screen to identify a genetic locus found on a mobilizable plasmid from Enterococcus faecalis involved in phage resistance. This locus encodes a putative serine recombinase followed by a Type IV restriction enzyme (TIV-RE) that we show restricts the replication of phage phi47 in vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis. We further find that phi47 evolves to overcome restriction by acquiring a missense mutation in a TIV-RE inhibitor protein. We show that this inhibitor, termed type IV restriction inhibiting factor A (tifA), binds and inactivates diverse TIV-REs. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of phage defense in drug-resistant E. faecalis and provide mechanistic insight into how phages evolve to overcome antiphage defense systems.

Abstract Introduction: This study, part of a larger research project assessing the political views of people with pets (dogs and cats), investigates the political views and life satisfaction of women without children who own cats. The research aims to provide insights into this group’s perspectives on current issues, including abortion rights and voting intentions for the 2024 US presidential election. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August 2024, involving 236 American women cat owners without children, recruited through Prolific, an online marketplace for survey respondents. The survey assessed the sample’s demographics, life satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), concerns about current events, views on abortion, political affiliation, and voting intentions. Results: Participants mean SWLS score was 18.64 (SD = 7.74), comparable to other adult populations. The majority identified as liberal (71%) and Democrat (54%). This population’s top concerns included healthcare, abortion rights, climate change and environment, and government ethics. A total of 88.1% believed abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances. Regarding the 2024 election, 86.4% plan to vote, with 72.9% of those planning to vote indicating they support the Harris/Walz ticket. Discussion/Conclusion: The findings suggest that childless women with cats are a politically engaged population with predominantly liberal views. While study limitations include lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the sample, this research provides valuable insights into the political leanings and life satisfaction of an often-stereotyped group.

Abstract Background Age‐related muscle decline (sarcopenia) associates with numerous health risk factors and poor quality of life. Drugs that counter sarcopenia without harmful side effects are lacking, and repurposing existing pharmaceuticals could expedite realistic clinical options. Recent studies suggest bisphosphonates promote muscle health; however, the efficacy of bisphosphonates as an anti‐sarcopenic therapy is currently unclear. Methods Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a sarcopenia model, we treated animals with 100 nM, 1, 10, 100 and 500 μM zoledronic acid (ZA) and assessed lifespan and healthspan (movement rates) using a microfluidic chip device. The effects of ZA on sarcopenia were examined using GFP‐tagged myofibres or mitochondria at days 0, 4 and 6 post‐adulthood. Mechanisms of ZA‐mediated healthspan extension were determined using combined ZA and targeted RNAi gene knockdown across the life‐course. Results We found 100 nM and 1 μM ZA increased lifespan (P 0.05), whereas 100 and 500 μM ZA were larval lethal. ZA (1 μM) significantly improved myofibrillar structure on days 4 and 6 post‐adulthood (83 and 71% well‐organized myofibres, respectively, vs. 56 and 34% controls, P 0.05). Life/healthspan was extended through knockdown of igdb‐1/FNDC5 (635 ± 10 vs. 523 ± 10% population activity AUC in gene knockdown vs. untreated controls, P 0.05]. Conversely, let‐756/FGF21 and sir‐2.2/SIRT‐4 were dispensable for ZA‐induced healthspan [630 ± 6 vs. 523 ± 10% population activity AUC in knockdown + 1 μM ZA vs. untreated controls, P

Background: Over the past several decades, scholars have regularly reviewed qualitative research published in the "Journal of Teaching in Physical Education," among other outlets, to understand the developing role of qualitative methods in physical education and sport pedagogy. In this review, the authors present a descriptive and thematic analysis of qualitative research articles published between 2009 and 2019, extending previous reviews. Methods: A total of 137 empirical articles were published that included a qualitative component (38.48%). This included purely qualitative studies (28.37%) as well as those using mixed methods (10.11%). Results: Descriptive results include analyses of article classifications, authorship, participants, theoretical/conceptual frameworks, qualitative methodologies, data collection methods, and data analysis and trustworthiness strategies. Inductive analysis of the 137 qualitative containing articles resulted in six themes and corresponding subthemes of research foci. Conclusions: Suggestions for future submissions to the "Journal of Teaching in Physical Education" are also presented.

Background: Staff play a critical role in promoting positive youth development in out-of-school-time programs, yet little is known about best-practices for preparing staff to work with youth and meet their needs. The present study seeks to understand the impact of a basic psychological needs training on the staff's ability to deliver needs-supportive instruction to youth during a summer wellness program. Methods: A quasi-experimental, qualitative design using interviews, observations, and journals was employed to compare the intervention staff (n = 9; M = 21.5) with a comparison group who did not receive the training (n = 8; M = 21.10). Results: Results indicated that the intervention enhanced the staff's understandings of basic psychological needs and empowered them to be more responsive to youth misbehavior, while educating youth about the importance of appropriate behavior. Conclusions: In order to prepare staff to meet the psychological needs of youth and protect themselves against exhaustion and burnout, future research should examine adequate dosage and content of staff training.

IntroductionBurnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. Despite rapid growth of research in this area, the wellbeing of individuals who work and/or volunteer in zoo settings has received minimal attention.MethodAn anonymous online survey was created to evaluate zoo staff and volunteers’ experiences of animal-related loss, rates of professional fulfillment and burnout, mental health, perceived organizational support, and resilience. Participants included 1695 zoo professionals (72% ACHPs, 20% other staff) and volunteers (7%) who were recruited through relevant professional listservs and online platforms, and flyers on zoo grounds.ResultsACHPs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death (80%) and anticipated loss (74%), with more than half of these losses occurring within the past 3 months. ACHPs’ reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout—yet only 17% of participants in our sample indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual.DiscussionOur findings suggest that many ACHPs are struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and low rates of professional fulfilment and perceived organizational support. We recommend that zoos develop organizational plans that foster a culture which normalizes and validates grief/loss experiences and is proactive in responding to animal loss, related trauma, and other occupational stressors. The results of this research demonstrate the need for systemic changes within the zoo industry, for the betterment and welfare of both humans and the animals under their care.

Coastal marine ecosystems are integral in providing numerous ecosystem functions and services. However, intense and chronic anthropogenic stressors often impact marine ecosystems surrounding highly urbanized, densely populated coastal megacities. The associated reduction of water quality and biodiversity of these ecosystems potentially erodes ecosystem functions and provision of services. While there is general consensus that greater biodiversity supports a multitude of ecosystem functions, evidence from marine ecosystems in real-world settings is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the influence of water quality on benthic and fish assemblages, as well as quantified six key ecosystem functions in coastal waters of Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s marine ecosystems are marred with long-term damage that is directly linked with rapid economic growth and anthropogenic activities. We found that water quality significantly affected community composition and clustered assemblages into separate groups related to strength of impact: high impact sites were generally dominated by bivalves and small, opportunistic organisms such as damselfish (Pomacentrinae) and cardinalfish (Apogonidae); low impact sites were dominated by macroalgae, bryozoa, and commercially important piscivores such as groupers (Epinephelinae) and seabreams (Sparidae). Ecosystem function tests showed that low impact sites were much more productive than high impact sites, with 15-times greater macroalgal cover and 5-times higher fish biomass. On the other hand, herbivory and predation rates were context-dependent due to underlying biodiversity effects such as selection, complementarity, and competition. Eutrophication increased decomposition and reduced carbon sequestration, but excessive nutrient input could have suppressed decomposer activities via hypoxia. Therefore, we show that in high impact sites where top-down control is removed, resilient and opportunistic organisms such as cardinalfishes and sea urchins may expand to fulfill functional roles, effectively maintaining ecosystem functions such as predation and herbivory in degraded habitats. Contrary to general consensus, this study demonstrates the merit in conserving even highly impacted marine habitats due to their persistent ecosystem functionality despite chronic water quality issues and shifts in benthic and fish assemblages.

Introduction Objectives of this study were to characterize barriers to receiving psychiatric medications for people who are incarcerated, to compare barriers before competency restoration to those after competency restoration, and to characterize psychiatric medication formularies. Methods A survey of county jails in Missouri was completed between October 2021 and February 2022. Survey questions were answered by medical department personnel, nurses, or a person responsible for medication oversight. Formularies were requested. Results Of 97 jails contacted, 51 completed the survey (53%). Most jails allowed patients to supply their own medications and reported they were “often” or “always” able to continue home medications. Inability to provide home medications was frequently attributed to cost. Notably, only 57% of jails were able to provide long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIA), 22% charged a fee for administration of medications, and 31% would not adjust medication times based on food requirements. No major differences existed precompetency and postcompetency for any question. Discussion Jail policies varied; thus, medication access for patients should be approached at the individual level. Potential areas to target to improve access are medication administration times, LAIA access, and removal of medication administration fees.

As place-based conservation organizations, zoos are in a central position to support individuals in making small changes in their lives that will support the protection of wildlife and their habitats. This paper describes the secondary analysis of data collected from multi-phase front-end, exploratory evaluation that informed the development of a conservation action campaign in association with a non-profit, urban zoo. In phase one, internal organization staff were invited to attend workshops during which they brainstormed potential conservation actions that they felt were important for the zoo to promote. They identified and ranked 164 unique actions. In phase two, the ranking was used to narrow down the 164 actions to 20 actions which were used to develop a survey administered to visitors who opted in to receiving online surveys from the zoo. The survey asked participants to state their interest in each of the 20 conservation actions. The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change informed the analysis of responses. Through this approach we identified actions that people were already doing, interested in doing, and not interested in doing. The responses from this survey were used to narrow down the list further to 10 actions used in a survey in phase three. This second survey administered to zoo visitors on grounds asked participants which of the 10 actions they would be most interested in doing, and the perceived barriers and benefits of doing them. This process allowed us to use evidence-based decision making to choose which conservation actions would resonate most with the community for our conservation action campaign. We also were able to identify values visitors held that might influence environmentally friendly behaviors. Visitors who responded to this survey tended to respond in ways that aligned with self-transcendent values. The research suggests that the campaign should focus on habitat restoration and remediation and purchasing wildlife friendly coffee and other products.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292658.].

Abstract There is evidence that pet owners experienced benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic and also struggled with pet-related stressors. Notably, almost all of these studies were conducted with predominantly cisgender and heterosexual samples. This is problematic, as evidence suggests that individuals who belong to marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ emerging adults, have been disproportionately affected by stressors associated with the pandemic. This qualitative study explores the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults who lived with a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we sought to identify resources needed to assist LGBTQ+ emerging adult pet owners during the pandemic. The sample included 65 participants aged 18–21 years who had lived with one or more pets within the past year (Mean age = 19.5 years; 36.9% transgender/gender diverse; 40% minoritized racial/ethnic identity). We conducted semi-structured interviews consisting of 18 questions (including five COVID-specific questions). Two authors coded and analyzed the interviews using template analysis. Then, the authors used a thematic analysis approach to organize codes into themes, identify patterns of meaning, and examine relations between themes. Four themes emerged related to the experience of living with a pet during the pandemic. Almost all participants said that their pets provided various types of support to them. Many participants stated that their pets also added stress to their lives during the pandemic. Some participants attributed the changes in their pet’s behavior and/or attitude to pandemic-related quarantines. More than half of the participants discussed changes in their relationship with their pet, with the majority claiming their relationship became stronger. Two themes emerged that related to necessary resources: greater community-based resources (e.g., low-cost veterinary care, pet-friendly outdoor spaces) and more government resources (e.g., better access to information, more material and financial support). Participants offered suggestions for ways to alleviate pet-related stressors, such as developing community-based programs (e.g., pet food pantries, mutual aid programs). There is the opportunity for collaboration between researchers and practitioners in piloting these community programs, as well as implications for policy makers to advocate for policies supportive of LGBTQ+ emerging adult pet owners (e.g., university pet policies, housing policies).

Teacher socialization theories have been extensively applied to understand the sociopolitical stressors faced by in-service physical education teachers. On the other hand, little is known as it relates to how physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty members experience and navigate stress in their jobs. Through the lens of occupational socialization theory, this study sought to understand US PETE faculty members' experiences navigating the stress of their work in sociopolitical department and university environments. Participants included 36 US PETE faculty members (20 female, 16 male). Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results highlighted the ways in which participants experienced and navigated the stress associated with their work environments. Specific themes included: (a) ambiguous, conflicting, and high expectations for performance contribute to role stress; (b) department cultures can challenge and marginalize physical education; (c) (development of) personal approaches and coping strategies to manage role stressors; and (d) networks of support are integral to faculty development and socialization. Results are discussed with implications for how various roles and the internalization of those roles impacted participants' perceived stress while addressing the intra- and interpersonal strategies participants employ to navigate these stressors. Recommendations related to both doctoral education and continuous faculty development are provided and future directions for research are forwarded.

This study examines the role of human-animal interaction (HAI) in relations between sexual and gender minority (SGM) stress, personal hardiness, and psychological stress during emerging adulthood. Data for the current sample reflect 136 SGM emerging adults between the ages of 18 to 21 years who reported living with a companion animal in the past year (37.5% racial/ethnic minority, 49.2% transgender or gender -expansive, 98.5% sexual minority). Mediation was tested using structural equation modeling with a bootstrapping approach. We found evidence of an indirect effect of microaggressions on personal hardiness. Specifically, increases in microaggressions were associated with increases in HAI; in turn, increases in HAI were associated with higher levels of personal hardiness. No other statistically significant indirect effects were identified in our model. We discuss the implications of these findings for enhancing community capacity to empower and facilitate successful coping among SGM emerging adults.

Abstract Background Coral meta-organisms consist of the coral, and its associated Symbiodiniaceae (dinoflagellate algae), bacteria, and other microbes. Corals can acquire photosynthates from Symbiodiniaceae, whilst Symbiodiniaceae uses metabolites from corals. Prokaryotic microbes provide Symbiodiniaceae with nutrients and support the resilience of corals as meta-organisms. Eutrophication is a major cause of coral reef degradation; however, its effects on the transcriptomic response of coral meta-organisms remain unclear, particularly for prokaryotic microbes associated with corals in the larval stage. To understand acclimation of the coral meta-organism to elevated nitrate conditions, we analyzed the physiological and transcriptomic responses of Pocillopora damicornis larvae, an ecologically important scleractinian coral, after 5 days of exposure to elevated nitrate levels (5, 10, 20, and 40 µM). Results The major differentially expressed transcripts in coral, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic microbes included those related to development, stress response, and transport. The development of Symbiodiniaceae was not affected in the 5 and 20 µM groups but was downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups. In contrast, prokaryotic microbe development was upregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups and downregulated in the 5 and 20 µM groups. Meanwhile, coral larval development was less downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups than in the 5 and 20 µM groups. In addition, multiple larval, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic transcripts were significantly correlated with each other. The core transcripts in correlation networks were related to development, nutrient metabolism, and transport. A generalized linear mixed model, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, demonstrated that the Symbiodiniaceae could both benefit and cost coral larval development. Furthermore, the most significantly correlated prokaryotic transcripts maintained negative correlations with the physiological functions of Symbiodiniaceae. Conclusions Results suggested that Symbiodiniaceae tended to retain more nutrients under elevated nitrate concentrations, thereby shifting the coral-algal association from mutualism towards parasitism. Prokaryotic microbes provided Symbiodiniaceae with essential nutrients and may control Symbiodiniaceae growth through competition, whereby prokaryotes can also restore coral larval development inhibited by Symbiodiniaceae overgrowth. Video Abstract

Purpose: To examine the workplace experience of physical education teacher educators while accounting for gender and institution type. Method: Participants included 286 U.S. faculty members (151 females and 135 males). Data were collected using an online survey that included measures of negative (i.e., marginalization, isolation, role stress, emotional exhaustion) and positive (i.e., perceived mattering, perceived organizational support) workplace experiences. Primary analyses began with a multivariate analysis of covariance followed up by univariate analyses of covariance to examine the differences in study variables based on gender and institution type. Results: Doctoral institution faculty members reported higher marginalization and lower perceived mattering and organizational support. Female faculty members reported higher role overload and emotional exhaustion. Discussion: Results highlight differences in the faculty experience across institution types as well as gender disparities. Recommendations are provided for improving the faculty experience as well as for future research in the area.

Research suggests that people with HIV (PWH), who are at high risk for alcohol and substance use, may rely on relationships with pets for companionship and stress relief. There may be common mechanisms underlying both substance use and attachment to pets. The purpose of this brief research report was to compare alcohol and substance use behaviors between pet owners and non-owners among a cohort of PWH. Participants (n = 735) in a survey study of PWH in Florida were asked about their alcohol and substance use behaviors, whether they owned a pet, and their sociodemographic characteristics. We used bivariate analyses and logistic regression to examine differences in alcohol and substance use behaviors between pet owners and non-owners. Pet owners had higher mean AUDIT scores than non-owners (Mpet = 5, Mnopet = 4, z = −3.07, p = 0.002). Pet owners were more likely than non-owners to use alcohol in a harmful or hazardous way (AUDIT score ≥ 8), above and beyond sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.65, p = 0.052). Pet owners were more likely to have ever used most substances than non-owners, and more likely to currently use alcohol (X2(1) = 12.97, p = 0.000), marijuana or hashish (X2(1) = 6.82, p = 0.009), and amyl nitrate/poppers (X2(1) = 11.18, p = 0.001). Pet owners may be more likely to use alcohol and other substances at higher rates than non-owners. Reasons for owning a pet and using substances may be similar, such as coping with stress.

Mercury is a widespread pollutant of increasing global concern that exhibits a broad range of deleterious effects on organisms, including birds. Because the developing brain is well-known to be particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic insults of mercury, many studies have focused on developmental effects such as on the embryonic brain and resulting behavioral impairment in adults. It is not well understood how the timing of exposure, for example exclusively in ovo versus throughout life, influences the impact of mercury. Using dietary exposure to environmentally relevant methylmercury concentrations, we examined the role that timing and duration of exposure play on spatial learning and memory in a model songbird species, the domesticated zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis). We hypothesized that developmental exposure was both necessary and sufficient to disrupt spatial memory in adult finches. We documented profound disruption of memory for locations of hidden food at two spatial scales, cage- and room-sized enclosures, but found that both developmental and ongoing adult exposure were required to exhibit this behavioral impairment. Methylmercury-exposed birds made more mistakes before mastering the spatial task, because they revisited unrewarded locations repeatedly even after discovering the rewarded location. Contrary to our prediction, hippocampal volume was not affected in birds exposed to methylmercury over their lifetimes. The disruption of spatial cognition that we detected is severe and would likely have implications for survival and reproduction in wild birds; however, it appears that individuals that disperse or migrate from a contaminated site might recover later in life if no longer exposed to the toxicant.

Introduction: To describe the publication rates and characteristics of PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency projects presented as a poster presentation at the annual meetings of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) from 2002 to 2018. (As of 2022 the organization is under the name, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists.) Methods: CPNP abstracts from even years were strategically searched in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. If a publication was identified, additional data were collected for characterization, including study information, journal information, author information, institutional affiliation, publication year, and time to publication. Results: A total of 348 abstracts were evaluated. Publication in a journal was achieved for 60 projects (17.2%), with publication rates decreasing from 2012 to 2018. The mean time to publication was 17.3 months after completion of the residency, with most projects published at 8 months. More than half (51.7%) of these projects were published in a psychiatric pharmacy journal affiliated with CPNP. Study designs were predominantly retrospective, observational, cohort studies with a focus on evaluation of a drug therapy outcome. The PGY2 resident was the first author in 90% of the publications. Forty percent included other health care professionals outside of pharmacy as a coauthor. PGY2 residencies affiliated with academic institutions had overall higher publications rates. Discussion: Publication rates for PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency projects are low and are decreasing over time despite an increasing number of PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency programs. This publication rate is lower than that reported in the literature for PGY2 critical care residency programs. The downward trend of publication rates for PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency projects is concerning.

Abstract Coral reefs are declining worldwide, yet some coral populations are better adapted to withstand reductions in pH and the rising frequency of marine heatwaves. The nearshore reef habitats of Palau, Micronesia are a proxy for a future of warmer, more acidic oceans. Coral populations in these habitats can resist, and recover from, episodes of thermal stress better than offshore conspecifics. To explore the physiological basis of this tolerance, we compared tissue biomass (ash-free dry weight cm−2), energy reserves (i.e., protein, total lipid, carbohydrate content), and several important lipid classes in six coral species living in both offshore and nearshore environments. In contrast to expectations, a trend emerged of many nearshore colonies exhibiting lower biomass and energy reserves than colonies from offshore sites, which may be explained by the increased metabolic demand of living in a warmer, acidic, environment. Despite hosting different dinoflagellate symbiont species and having access to contrasting prey abundances, total lipid and lipid class compositions were similar in colonies from each habitat. Ultimately, while the regulation of colony biomass and energy reserves may be influenced by factors, including the identity of the resident symbiont, kind of food consumed, and host genetic attributes, these independent processes converged to a similar homeostatic set point under different environmental conditions.

In many semi-arid, snow-fed river systems, climate change is shifting the timing and quantity of streamflow; at the same time, changing water use priorities are introducing additional demands on water supplies. These dynamics challenge water security across the globe. Water markets – economic instruments used to reallocate water via voluntary trade – may be used to adapt to these changes, though their implementation remains limited. To understand how water markets may enhance water security in the western United States, we assess diverse actors’ perceptions of water allocation institutions broadly, as well as their preferences for different water market designs, in the empirical context of the Walker River Basin. This 4,200-square mile watershed, located on the California-Nevada border, exemplifies many key regional water management challenges. Through an analysis of 30 in-depth interviews, we find that actors across sectors desire changes to traditional water allocation institutions, preferably at the local level, and view markets as an acceptable tool for reallocation. Despite identified legal and social challenges, markets that facilitate temporary water trading are generally preferred. While limited to the context of a single basin, these findings provide lessons for designing water markets to enhance water security in basins regionally and beyond. HIGHLIGHTS Climate change is increasing water scarcity in many semi-arid, snow-fed river basins.; Competition over water resources challenges water security in the western United States.; Water markets reallocate water via voluntary trading among water right holders.; Understanding actor perspectives on water allocation institutions and market design can inform the development of markets that enhance water security.;

Abstract Background Symbionts provide a variety of reproductive, nutritional, and defensive resources to their hosts, but those resources can vary depending on symbiont community composition. As genetic techniques open our eyes to the breadth of symbiont diversity within myriad microbiomes, symbiosis research has begun to consider what ecological mechanisms affect the identity and relative abundance of symbiont species and how this community structure impacts resource exchange among partners. Here, we manipulated the in hospite density and relative ratio of two species of coral endosymbionts (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Breviolum minutum) and used stable isotope enrichment to trace nutrient exchange with the host, Briareum asbestinum. Results The patterns of uptake and translocation of carbon and nitrogen varied with both density and ratio of symbionts. Once a density threshold was reached, carbon acquisition decreased with increasing proportions of S. microadriaticum. In hosts dominated by B. minutum, nitrogen uptake was density independent and intermediate. Conversely, for those corals dominated by S. microadriaticum, nitrogen uptake decreased as densities increased, and as a result, these hosts had the overall highest (at low density) and lowest (at high density) nitrogen enrichment. Conclusions Our findings show that the uptake and sharing of nutrients was strongly dependent on both the density of symbionts within the host, as well as which symbiont species was dominant. Together, these complex interactive effects suggest that host regulation and the repression of in hospite symbiont competition can ultimately lead to a more productive mutualism. Video Abstract

Abstract Sponges perform important ecosystem functions, host diverse microbial symbiont communities (microbiomes), and have been increasing in density on Caribbean coral reefs over the last decade. Sponges compete for space in coral reef communities through both morphological and allelopathic strategies, but no studies of microbiome impacts during these interactions have been conducted. Microbiome alterations mediate spatial competition in other coral reef invertebrates and may similarly impact competitive outcomes for sponges. In this study, we characterized the microbiomes of three common Caribbean sponges (Agelas tubulata, Iotrochota birotulata, and Xestospongia muta) observed to naturally interact spatially in Key Largo, Florida (USA). For each species, replicate samples were collected from sponges in contact with neighbors at the site of contact (contact) and distant from the site of contact (no contact), and from sponges spatially isolated from neighbors (control). Next‐generation amplicon sequencing (V4 region of 16S rRNA) revealed significant differences in microbial community structure and diversity among sponge species, but no significant effects were observed within sponge species across all contact states and competitor pairings, indicating no large community shifts in response to direct contact. At a finer scale, particular symbiont taxa (operational taxonomic units at 97% sequence identity, OTUs) were shown to decrease significantly in some interaction pairings, suggesting localized effects for specific sponge competitors. Overall, these results revealed that direct contact during spatial competition does not significantly alter microbial community composition or structure of interacting sponges, suggesting that allelopathic interactions and competitive outcomes are not mediated by microbiome damage or destabilization.